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Cook - KP talks ongoing

Alastair Cook revealed that senior England officials have been in Sri Lanka holding talks with exiled batsman Kevin Pietersen over his international future.

Last Updated: 21/09/12 8:08am

Alastair Cook revealed that senior England officials have been in Sri Lanka holding talks with exiled batsman Kevin Pietersen over his international future.

Pietersen was dropped for England's last Test against South Africa over a text message dispute and he has been omitted from the squad for November's tour of India.

Cook confirmed the issues between Pietersen and the England team are still unresolved but the Test captain is hopeful of a solution that will see Pietersen return to the England fold.

England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier and cricket managing director Hugh Morris have been in Sri Lanka, where Pietersen is working as a television pundit for the Twenty20 World Cup.

"I did have a meeting with Kev and I have been involved in meetings. Clearly the issues haven't been resolved and that is why he is not available for selection at the moment," Cook said.

"Time hopefully will be a healer and we will be able to move on.

"The issues will still have to be resolved before Kevin plays for England again.

"At this present time the issues haven't been resolved and he can't be selected.

"Meetings are still going on in Sri Lanka at the moment. David Collier and Hugh Morris are out there as well.

"If the issues can be resolved, Kevin has said he is available for selection but at the moment that can't happen."

'Sad circumstance'

Cook conceded England's hopes of winning the four-Test series in India have been hit by Pietersen's absence.

"That is a given," said Cook. "Kevin has proved in all conditions around the world that he is a world class player. His record suggests that in all forms of the game.

"It is a sad circumstance. Clearly he is a world class player and he is not playing for England at this precise moment in time.

"He will be missed but it gives opportunities to other players and they can do well. There is no reason these guys can't fill the gap there."

Former England captain Andrew Strauss admitted it was important to discuss the incident with Pietersen.

He told Sky Sports News: "We did catch up - it was important we did that. He and I have had some interesting times over the last month or two and it was good to sit down.

"He apologised for a few things he had done and we are absolutely fine going forward.

"There has been huge media interest in the story and I can understand that but it's not the most helpful environment to sort issues out."

As for Pietersen's international future, Strauss added: "A lot has to be resolved and I'm a bit out of the loop in terms of the England team.

"Everyone needs a bit of time to let things settle and we will see what the best way forward is.

"I don't want to speculate. A lot of questions have to be asked and answered and Kevin is a big part of that...what he wants.

"Those conversations need to be had and there's time for it to happen."

On his own future Strauss said: "Obviously I'm on hand if Andy Flower or Alastair Cook want my advice but I'm sure they're more than capable of running the side on their own."